My name is Dr. Chrystelle L. Vilfranc (She/Her/Hers), and I’m a Caribbean American from Brooklyn, NY. I studied cancer and cell biology. More specifically, I studied a huge protein and its involvement in protecting the liver against chronic diseases, including liver cancer.

I’m an advocate for mental health and reproductive health.

ALT Text: I’m adamant about diversity, equity, and retention of marginalized groups in STEM Education. I’m a big believer in changing things through policy whether that is health policies to address racial disparities in our healthcare system or STEM education-related policies to address the lack of diversity and retention of marginalized students in STEM.

I became interested in cancer biology after losing my favourite cousin to cancer when I was younger. The health of my family and community around me inspired me to want to study medicine and health from a different perspective — and the lack of representation throughout my scientific journey has made me passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion work in STEM.

I suffer from endometriosis, which is a painful chronic illness. That is part of why I am adamant about health policy, as the endometriosis community is desperately in need of more advocacy to potentially reach change-makers.

FOUR INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE LIVER AND LIVER CANCER

1) The liver is a regenerative organ that can essentially repair itself when injured, but persistent injury along with other factors can affect its repair efficiency — making the liver more vulnerable to damage.

2) Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common form of liver cancer.

3) One of the risk factors for this cancer is hepatitis viruses like hepatitis B.

4) Hepatocellular carcinoma is the 4th leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

Connect with Dr. Vilfranc: https://linktr.ee/ChrystelleVilfranc